HOUSE THAT! FROM SCENE OF DISCORD TO TRUCE SYMBOL
Shivpal Yadav’s official residence at 7-Kalidas Marg became a symbol of truce on Saturday as chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s fleet arrived amid a cacophony of restive supporters. Surprised at the CM’s arrival, the belligerent groups started melting away as security guards took position on the gates. As a discussion between chacha (Shivpal) and bhatija (Akhilesh) started, the SP workers standing outside the bungalow were busy trying to find out what they were talking about. “The CM is having lunch with Shivpal and the family members,” said a SP leader. Later, the CM made it clear that he did not have lunch but tea with his uncle. Akhilesh remained at Shivpal’s residence for 45 minutes and straight way went to his official residence at 5-Kalidas Marg thereafter. The party workers shouted slogans in support of Akhilesh and Shivpal. “Chacha and bhatija have made peace,” said an SP MLA and added: “Both will abide by the decision of family patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.” “It’s a good omen for the party that differences between the two have been resolved within five days. Akhilesh’s move was a dignified one as he tried to heal his uncle’s bruised ego,” said another party leader. “Hardly four months are left for the elections. The tussle between two powerful leaders had damaged our prospects. Now that both are reunited, we will campaign with vigour to grab power,” they said. The distance between 5 and 7 Kalidas Marg is hardly 100 yards but the gulf between the two bungalows widened since the start of the power struggle between ‘chacha’ and ‘bhatija’ on Tuesday. Both had avoided each other’s homes. For a few days, they took different routes to visit Mulayam Singh Yadav’s residence or the party office. “Now they will take the old route,” the SP leaders said.